There are certain things you should never do when picking a school for your child.
When it comes to picking a school for her child, every parent wants the very best.
However good these intentions are, sometimes picking a school for your child could lead to decisions or actions that could negatively impact on your child and in a long run.
Here are 6 things you should never do when picking a school for your child.
Emphasising on brand name alone
We know of those ‘annoying’ mothers (possibly our nosy neighbours who are bent on showing off their affluence) who say they want their child to go to this school or that school because it’s “the best” or it’s “number one.”
Yes, some of these schools are great and have built up strong brand names for themselves.
But the reality is there is no such thing as the best school.
Rather, there is only the best school for your child.
In other words, it’s not the best school, but the right school. It is quite understandable the pressure that certain mothers feel in focusing on the brand name of a school.
They believe that the “best” school increases their child’s chances of landing that amazing job or being successful later on in life.
There is some truth to that, but that’s not the entire picture.
Also, these types of schools are by no means a guarantee of future success for your child.
The best school for your child will most likely be the school that matches your child’s learning style and interest
Judging by the outward appearance of the school
We mothers can sure be finicky about what we want in the IDEAL school for our child. They include a safe, clean and attractive environment with all the newest technology.
But remember that looks aren’t everything.
Some schools might not have the latest and greatest equipment.
But they do make up for it by employing well engaged and well-trained teachers who can bring out the best in their students—including those with learning and attention issues.
The teachers are the most important element a school has to guarantee.
Not asking enough questions
It’s helpful to know if a school has a good reputation or gets high marks from other parents.
But it is more important to know that their children may have different needs than yours.
Taking your child to visit the school could be the trick in making sure it’s a welcoming place.
A school’s culture can make a big difference in how accepted your child will feel.
It is of high priority to ask the school a lot of questions including how it will support your child academically, emotionally and socially.
Don’t forget to take a tour of the school to see the facilities especially to see how safe or convenient it will be for your child.
Not Factoring Distance
A great school is worth a long drive. But the same may not be true for a school that seems only slightly better than the one in your neighborhood.
Lengthy rides to and from school might limit the amount of time your child has for homework, after school activities, sports and even sleep or rest time.
Living far away from school can also make it more challenging to arrange other extra-curricular activities.
That’s why it’s important to factor distance when choosing a school.
Focusing Too Much On Academics
The average Nigerian mother sees academics as very important.
But your child’s social and emotional development is also very important too.
Related: COVID-19: How To Prepare Your Kids For Back-to-school
A school that places a lot of emphasis on reading skills may sound great. But make sure there’s a big focus on social skills as well.
Likewise, a good school is a place to nurture and identify a child’s strengths and passions. Pick a school based on the richness of the experiences it provides for your child.
Disregarding Cost Of School Fees
A major mistake many parents make is overlooking the cost of the school fees of the dream school they are looking to enroll their little ones in.
The questions you must ask yourself as you make to enroll your child in a new school include:
1. Can you afford it?
2. Can you conveniently pay the fees?
3. Can you sustain paying the fees in event of an increase?
4. Is it really worth the fees and will I have value for money?
As soon as you can answer in the affirmative, then, you are good to go ahead with picking the school for your child or children as the case may be.
We hope you found this article useful? If you did, we are itching to hear from you. Please send us an email at [email protected].
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